The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals

To kick off the launch of the transition from TCN to the ITP, the Ayr &
South West Scotland centre enjoyed a networking event at the Clyde
Coastguard control centre in Greenock.

Liz Murray along with Peter Smith, the centre's shift Manager, welcomed
us and presented us with a video of the role of the Coastguard and how
they interact with the rest of the emergency services. After this we had
a tour of the control centre and experienced how the officers on duty
dealt with a real life medical emergency from a fishing vessel in the
mid Atlantic. Peter also explained how their VHF radio & landline
kilostream links assisted them with the necessary communications with
the RNLI across the West of Scotland. To finalise the tour, Peter allowed
us to view their system which monitors all shipping traffic crossing the
English Channel. This was very impressive and made us appreciate what a
skilled and professional role the Coastguard play in protecting public
safety. All attendees agreed that this was a most  enjoyable and
informative visit. 

Norman Wallace.